World: Played Out?

Ever since the sun began to set on the British Empire, Britons have been acutely sensitive about their diminishing role in world affairs. Last week they were especially upset by a twist to the lion's tail administered by none other than former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Gooderham Acheson. In a speech at West Point, Acheson bluntly appraised Berlin, NATO, and the Common Market. But Britain drew his sharpest words.

"Great Britain has lost an empire and has not yet found a role," Acheson said.

"The attempt to play a separate power role apart...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!